All Posts by GFulls

Hi-Rez Studios announces new MMO called Global Agenda. It has a near future spy type theme to it. Read more below, it seems a lot of companies are breaking out of the typical fantasy MMO genre.

Hi-Rez Studios™, an independent developer of online entertainment, announced today that their debut title will be a mission-based action MMORPG using Unreal® Engine 3, set in a near future world of espionage and tactical covert operations. Global Agenda™ has been in development for over two years by a team of industry veterans. It features fast-paced ranged and close combat, RPG-style character progression, solo or cooperative team missions, and competitive play on a massive scale between player-created agencies.

A departure from the traditional online settings of high fantasy, outer space, or military, Global Agenda is set on 22nd century Earth. An invisible war is fought not with armies, but with elite teams of highly trained and well-equipped special agents, where technology is a race, knowledge is power, and everyone has an agenda.

"We want to provide players an engaging, next-generation tactical combat experience, but within the context of a single, evolving, massively multiplayer online world where actions have consequences", says Todd Harris, COO of Hi-Rez Studios. "Player-created agencies, with the right strategy and skill, can have a very real impact on each other and the world itself."

Key Planned Features

Create, extensively customize, and develop an agent character that is unique within the world. Protect your secret identity through covert activity while increasing your skills and influence.

Join a player-created agency, compete in a technology race for advanced weaponry, and advance your own agenda.

Engage in solo, co-op, and team objective-based missions against non-player and other player-created agencies.

Experience a dynamic world of espionage and intrigue, where in-game events and locations are influenced by the actions of players and agencies.

Read more here.

World of Warcraft previews the new armor and weapon rewards for the arena system.

Eternal glory awaits those who would prevail in the arena - but if you're looking for some more tangible benefits, you'll likely be pleased with the selection of powerful rewards available to the mightiest gladiators. With the arena season officially underway, we've compiled the arena's armor and weapon rewards for your perusal.

Read more here.

Vanguard: Saga of Heroes gives us a look at the update coming on March 6th. Players can expect a lot of content with this latest edition.

On Tuesday, March 6th 2007, Vanguard Update #1 will go live. It will be a much larger patch than usual as not only will there be new content but a great deal of additional art as well. Update #1 includes:

Dozens of new weapon models

Six brand new NPC races to battle

Two new mid to high level adventuring areas

Nine dungeons with revamped art and/or lighting

Read more here.

Sony Online Entertainment raises rate for Station Access Subscription. Looks like starting April 2 the new price will be $29.99/month.

We want to give you some important information regarding your Station Access subscription. Effective April 2, 2007, the new monthly subscription rate will be US$29.99 per month (not including applicable taxes).

We know that rate adjustments are never popular, but the increase is driven by our desire to provide our Station Access subscribers with a consistently high quality entertainment experience, as evidenced by our most recent addition to the Station Access subscription plan, Vanguard: Saga of Heroes™.

You don't have to do a thing; you will automatically be migrated to the new monthly subscription rate under your existing subscription plan when your current subscription plan comes up for renewal on or after April 2, 2007. We appreciate your support and continued participation in our community.

Station Access subscriptions are recurring, meaning you will continue to be billed at the appropriate subscription interval, until you affirmatively cancel your subscription. Subscription fees are subject to tax and value-added tax, as applicable. The subscription charges are in addition to the cost of the games that are part of the Station Access subscription plan. All game software is sold separately.

Read more here.

Xfire announces "XStatics" as a public resource for online game play statistics.

Xfire, one of the fastest growing online gaming communities in the world, today announced "Xstatics," a new monthly offering of detailed, fresh, and highly accurate game play statistics revealing the top online videogames played in North America and Europe. Updated each month, the first "Xstatics" are available now, March 1, 2007 at www.xfire.com/xstatics.

"Xstatics" tracks actual game play statistics of more than 800 PC games. The "Xstatics" are broken down in various categories: "Top 20 Overall," "Massively Multiplayer Online Games," "First Person Shooters," "Strategy Games," "Other Titles" and a special "Bonus Stat." Each month, Xfire will reveal a new and unique "Bonus Stat" that will take a closer look at a variety of interesting scenarios such as: how game play habits for a game change over time or how gameplay varies internationally - as Xfire gamers hail from more than 100 countries across the globe.

"The beauty about these statistics is three-fold," said Frederic Descamps, senior director of marketing for Xfire. "First, these stats cover nearly the entire universe of PC online games being played. Second, the stats are highly accurate because the sample size of 6.5 million gamers is so large. Third, they show how vibrant and active the Xfire gaming community is!"

With its phenomenal success, it's no surprise that Blizzard's immensely popular World of Warcraft tops the charts of man-hours spent playing on Xfire. Xfire gamers spend over 23 million minutes per day playing World of Warcraft. In the last one hundred days alone, Xfire gamers have exceeded 4,000 man-years hacking away in World of Warcraft. Additionally, gamers are playing over 66 million minutes or over 125 man-years per day across the top 20 games on Xfire. Other top games include Valve's Counter-Strike Source, Activion's Call of Duty 2, EA's Battlefield 2 and NCsoft's Guild Wars.

Read more here.

Gamespot is running an article that outlines the makings of a Warhammer 40k MMOG. It looks like Vigil Games will be working on the new project. Well, I guess this finally answers everyone's question for the last six months!

Video game publisher THQ and tabletop game publisher Games Workshop have already enjoyed great success since 2004 with Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War, the popular real-time strategy game based on the gritty and brutal Warhammer 40,000 sci-fi universe. The game has given rise to two expansion packs, the most recent of which won GameSpot's award for Best Expansion Pack of 2006 and remains a popular title with strategy enthusiasts.

Today, the two publishers are announcing an extension to their licensing agreement to work together on new projects, including a Warhammer 40,000 massively multiplayer online game. The first hints at such a project came last November, when Relic Entertainment, developer of the Warhammer 40,000 real-time strategy series, posted a want ad for MMOG developers. As it turns out, though, another studio--Austin, Texas-based Vigil Games, will be working on the new project, which should not be confused with the swords-and-sorcery MMORPG, Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning.

Read more here.

Micro Forte' cancels development of Citizen Zero project. They are now working on a top-secret new spy themed MMO.

Micro Forté, a leading Australian developer of MMOs, today announced that it has cancelled development on the "Citizen Zero" project, with internal development now focused on a top secret spy-themed MMO.

Steve Wang - Head of Studios for Micro Forté commented, "Although we were sad to stop working on CZ, we are extremely excited about the progress of our spy project."

The top secret project has been in production since mid '06 with a core development team working out of Micro Forté's Australian studio.

"We're not giving too much away at this stage," commented Micro Forté Lead Designer, Paul McInnes, "Obviously our new project is a spy-themed MMO, but it incorporates new game-play elements and technologies that we are really looking forward to delivering to the public."

Steve Wang added, "We are at an exciting crossroads where many new game-play styles and experiences have become possible in virtual world environments. This is a great opportunity for us to leverage our 7 years of development in the MMO space to bring the social MMO experience together with game-play that has been traditionally the domain of single player games."

Micro Forté will be making further announcements in the coming months with a view to showcasing the project toward the end of this year. Micro Forté is currently taking expressions of interest from distribution partners and has already begun discussion with some of the world's leading publishers.

Read more here.

EverQuest II announces Game Update Number 32.

A New Zone: Unrest!

Raiders rejoice! For 502 years after the fall of the old world, Unrest is re-introduced into the world of Norrath! Resurfacing as a high-end, instanced zone for groups of experienced PCs in their 70s, The Estate of Unrest is located in Faydwer off of the Butcherblock Mountains and is fully intended to be a tough adventure zone! Don't get caught with your lance down, make sure you bring your Legendary Items and Master spells along for the ride, cause the fighting is gonna get tough! (In order to access Unrest, you must have the Echoes of Faydwer expansion installed.)

A New In-Game Event: Brew Day!

What do Pink elephants, talking cabbage and pounding headaches all have in common...? Give up?

EQII Brew Day of course!

The second annual Brew Day festivities commence March 16th with enough ale to convince even the straightest Erudite that pigs can fly! Just look for the magical appearance of portals in Commonlands, Antonica, Greater Faydark and Haven that will take you to the Bar of Brell. Quest to brew the best and you'll quickly become the life of the party. Collect a cure for the hangover, and not only will you be a hurlin' human's best friend, but you will be handsomely rewarded with your own flying Party Keg! Cheers has nothing on this pub!

City Betrayal for The Fae

For you Fae that have been forever tempted by an evil existence, the dark side beckons and you must wait no longer! With this update, infidels can betray their goody-two wings, Kelethin citizenship and begin a new life in an Exile of wickedness, malevolence and just plain meanness!

A New Quest: The Swords of Destiny

Players can also embark on a new quest to find Soulfire, one of the fabled Swords of Destiny. Forged by the Nameless, this blade, combined with the Qeynos Claymore (from Kingdom of Sky) will aid the guardian Roehn'Theer in repelling the forces that will bring about Ages End, and destroy Norrath!

Read more here.

Eudemons Online gives us a look at their new Legion System.

We are happy to announce that the Legion System of Eudemons Online has been greatly improved. After the next patch is released, you can enjoy the wonderful new functions. By then, your legion will bring you more benefits and joys.

The legion diplomacy and level, the power of appointment and removal, Eudemon Totems, bonus potency...The competition between the legions and members will become more challenging. Who will be the final winners?

Read more here.

Elephant Entertainment and K2 Network ink retail publishing deal for 'SWORD OF THE NEW WORLD: GRANADO ESPADA.'

Korea's most popular and highly acclaimed massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG), Granado Espada, is coming to retail throughout North America and Europe this summer under the its newly announced name of Sword of the New World: Granado Espada, courtesy of Elephant Entertainment.

Winner of the 2006 Grand Award for Best Game in Korea, Sword of the New World is being made available at retail through an agreement between Elephant Entertainment and leading online game publisher, K2 Network.

"With a game of this pedigree and potential, publishing a retail complement to the online counterpart is an ideal way to expand availability for consumers," said Wim Stocks, CEO and president of Elephant Entertainment. "Sword of the New World has several innovative and exciting design elements that combined will set a new precedent for MMORPGs, and we are pleased to be working with K2 Network in bringing it to the North American and European retail markets."

In support of the retail boxed version, Elephant Entertainment and K2 Network are implementing several retailer-specific pre-sell and launch programs, as well as an array of consumer promotions that are designed to enhance the online experience.

Adds Joshua Hong, CEO of K2 Network: "Whether purchasing online or via retail, consumers will receive one of the most captivating MMORPGs to date as Sword of the New World brings stunning beauty and innovation to the category."

Sword of the New World is a fantasy MMORPG whose story is modeled after Europe's exploration of the New World and is comprised of thrilling missions and heroic quests. Already a highly anticipated game within the online community, Sword of the New World is the first MMORPG that allows players to control three characters simultaneously, resulting in a fast-moving game filled with strategic daring and intense combat.

Read more here.

Lord of the Rings Online's latest Beta Journal gives us our latest look at some interesting places and characters in Middle Earth.

The last night of Beta 1 was finally here, and I logged on with my level 19 elf huntress to join in the festivities. The Devs had promised some surprise goodies for everyone, and I couldn't wait to see what was in store.

I entered the always bustling Bree Town, but the word in chat was that a big party was happening in Hobbiton, so I visited the West Bree stable-master and made my way to the Shire. This was my first time visiting the Party Tree just south of Bag End, and there was indeed quite the party going on; complete with fireworks, campfires, dancing, drinking, pipe-weed smoking and even a few friendly sparring matches.

The atmosphere was one of revelry, camaraderie and a touch of sadness that the end of an era was fast approaching. Calls from allies on the chat panel informed the party-goers that orcs and trolls were seen invading Bree, and were headed our way. Some sprang into action to help, while others stayed in "true Hobbit fashion", unconcerned with such dire news.

Soon, the call came in that the evil minions were at our very doorstep, and the more brave and adventurous (if not altogether sober) of us ran to the skirmish. What was a level 19 hunter like me going to do against such large foes? Well, shoot arrows - and lots of them! - from a safe distance. Not that they did any damage, but who was counting anyway. I was forced to retreat on a few occasions before we took down the hulking high level orc attacking us. It didn't go down easy, and it must have taken at least 20 players to put a dent in it. Finally, it succumbed to our massive attack and most returned to the party for a victory dance.

Hobbiton was safe once again, and I decided for the remaining time I had in beta 1 to fulfill my goal of reaching Rivendell. Luckily, I was able to mount a horse and made it as far as Thorenhad on my own. I didn't stand a chance against the many fierce creatures just waiting to devour me along the twisting and turning hills beyond the Ford of Bruinen. I was forced to retreat at least 4 times and was in despair that I would never make it in time. Luckily, Veteran beta players sacrificed their own time in order to safely escort the lower levels through the long and dangerous journey to Elrond's home, and I was able to join the escorted raiding party who ran the entire way from the Forsaken Inn to the Ford. The final sprint to Rivendell was the most exciting experience I ever had in Beta! High level monsters and creatures were attacking at every turn, and the exhilaration of defeating them all in the company of a raiding party was beyond compare.

At last, we reached the valley and beheld the breathtaking scene of Rivendell with its magical landscape, tranquil waterfalls and the most spectacular pink sunset you could imagine. All we had to do was cross the bridge.... until the dragon attacked! But alas, we were no match for him; all of us were not only thrown off the bridge, but off the server as well! That was one powerful dragon.

As night was creeping in and midnight was only a short time away, those of us new to the area explored every inch of the Homely House just like a crowd of tourists, asking for directions, meeting Gandalf, Legolas, Elrond, Aragorn, Frodo and Sam, and even taking pictures! I got a great shot of me schmoozing with ole Pointy Hat and the head Elf himself. Our last minutes were spent singing and dancing with Legolas in the gazebo around a bonfire, saying our final farewells, and counting down to the final second to midnight. As fate would have it, beta 1 ended just as my own birthday began.

Read more here.

Lineage II gives us a heads up on The Chaotic Throne, Interlude.

The first chapter of Lineage® II: The Chaotic Throne, Interlude, is currently scheduled to hit the test server in March and planned for launch in April. This game update will add a challenging new area, new items, new skills, and much more. Please check out the Lineage 2 website for more details in the coming weeks.

Read more here.

Guild Wars announces an upcoming GvG bonus weekend.

As players prepare for the next rounds of the Guild Wars Celestial Tournament, we offer two benefits to PvP players this weekend: double GvG Faction and double Champion Points. The double rewards begin at Noon PST (20:00 GMT) on Friday, March 2nd and end at 11:59 p.m. PST on Sunday, March 4 (7:59 GMT on Monday, March 5).

Read more here.

Warhammer Online's latest newsletter gives us a closer look at the Empire Warrior Priest and Chaos Zealot classes.

There are few figures in the entire Warhammer property more iconic than the Sigmarite Warrior Priest. In light of that, there was never a doubt in our minds that we would include this character as one of those available to players of the Empire. However, we had two questions that need to be answered before we could begin: "How we could flesh out this table top icon into a compelling and effective character career?" and "How we could build his style and themes into the mechanics he uses?" To do this we've blended elements of faith and ferocity into a system we're calling Righteous Fury which applies new variables to classic gaming concepts.

While no career in WAR is relegated exclusively to healing, it is important that every faction have access to this pivotal capability in one form or another. With that in mind, one of our greatest challenges was conceiving a career with these capabilities for the typically selfish and consistently aggressive followers of Chaos. When we arrived at the Zealot, we had created something that would meet our needs as game designers, but perhaps more importantly, we had created a character who was the very picture of Chaos. Games Workshop embraced the concept with passion, and thus a career was born.

Read more here.

Slipgate Ironworks selects BigWorld Technology as the platform for an upcoming MMOG title.

Slipgate Ironworks, the game development company formed in 2005 by John Romero, announced that it has chosen the BigWorld Technology Suite as the game development platform for its new MMOG title.

"The BigWorld solution enables a streamlined production period which brings our game to market sooner," said John Romero. "We are extremely pleased with the technology offering and support BigWorld is providing on this MMO."

"John Romero and his team have some very innovative ideas on what they wanted to achieve with this project," said Simon Hayes, CTO of BigWorld. "The solution we provided them with has allowed their team the creative freedom to create a truly unique next-gen MMOG."

Read more here.

Vivox to provide voice chat for Second Life.

Vivox, the leading provider of integrated voice services for virtual worlds and online games, today announced that it will provide Linden Lab®, creator of 3D virtual world Second Life®, with integrated voice communication for the Second Life Grid.

Linden Lab will incorporate the Vivox voice services into the fabric of Second Life. Subscribers or 'Residents' will be able to speak with one another simply by walking up to other Residents and talking. There will be no need for a separate application, download, or login. The solution is designed to simplify and enhance interaction among the Residents and to mirror real-life communication, including spatial audio. Spatial audio, incorporating technology licensed from DiamondWare, will allow residents to hear each other based on their positions - on their left, right, far away or nearby. Other Vivox features will include controls for both Residents and land owners to manage participation in conversations. In addition, Residents will have friends lists, presence, speaking indicators and tools that will allow Residents of Second Life to stay connected with each other and the Second Life universe while in their first life. Whether a Resident's Second Life interest is primarily social, educational, or professional, integrated voice will enhance and broaden the in-world experience.

"Integrated voice is a natural extension of the virtual world our Residents are building," said Joe Miller, Vice President, Platform & Technology Development of Linden Lab. "Voice will further enrich that community and introduce new opportunities in social development and commerce. Vivox's high-quality scalability and rich feature set make it a perfect match for our efforts. Vivox understands the community and its needs and we could not ask for a better partner to bring voice onto the Second Life Grid."

"The Second Life Grid, with its Resident-created world and highly immersive structure, is an ideal platform for business and social interaction," said Rob Seaver, CEO of Vivox. "Live voice is essential to realizing the full potential of this environment, particularly for collaborative, academic and economic purposes. We are thrilled to provide this vital part of the Second Life Grid with our integrated voice service. With the intuitive design of the solution, Linden Lab will continue to set the course for virtual worlds."

Read more here.

Voyage Century world war break out leads to guild riots.

Voyage Century Official claimed that there would be an expansive world war breakout in the game. Now how's the world war going on? It is said that the players are hot discussing this topic on the forum, even leading a few riots. What's happened?

To their surprise, the brave warriors are receiving riddles by succession. In the face of coming world war, players from all countries are blood-boiled to fight for their patriotism, and for the truly voyage dream at the bottom heart. They are quickly responding to the call and gathering in the stronger form guild actively. With subtle preparations they are confident to be the final winner. Though a few days past, there isn't any hitting drums and flaming fire. Instead the world war comes to be a riddle and no successive news from Voyage Century Official. When the war will breakout and how to take part in it? Being anxious about it, players post at the forum to discussing hoping that some insider could release some valuable news. But still no replies and it seems to be kind of mystic of the world war. Some guilds can not wait and allege to disband the guild.

Could this world war really going to happen? If it could, when will it be?Confronted with impatient players, will the official give satisfactory reply to their questions? All the riddles will uncover soon.

Read more here.

Vanguard: Saga of Heroes announces an upcoming Double Adventure Kill Experience weekend. Get ready to go out there and slay those monsters!

It is hard to believe it has already been one month since Vanguard was released! We know it is not always easy to be the first to explore new lands, so as a big thank you to all those adventurers out there who did just that - this weekend will be a server-wide double adventuring kill experience event.

Event start and end times will correspond with the daily server restarts:

STARTS: Saturday, March 3rd, 5:00am PST (Friday, March 2nd, 8:00pm PST for Europeans)

ENDS: Monday, March 5th, 5:00am PST (Sunday, March 4th, 8:00pm PST for Europeans)

Happy hunting!

Read more here.

Guild Wars latest State of the Game takes us from PvE to PvP.

Read about the challenges and the rewards of making the transition from PvE gameplay to PvP competition in this week's State of the Game article. Get some tips on making that exciting transition from one of our veteran game reporters in this week's feature.

Read more here.

Lord of the Rings Online gives us a look at the Fields of Fornost.

Ghosts of the past whisper within the ruins scattered throughout these once-prosperous North Downs regions. Long ago, this was the location of Fornost, also known as Norbury of the Kings, the principal city of the Kingdom of Arnor, the North Kingdom of Men. Now, all that can be found are the weathered remains of the strong walls and majestic towers that fell to the fires of the great Battle of Fornost - the final chapter in the war that drove the Witch-king of Angmar out of these lands more than 1,000 years ago. The city was never rebuilt, and few of the ancestors of those who once dwelled in these lands remain. In the times since those great battles, the region has been traveled less and less, until now it is all but a forgotten wilderness of wild grasses and sparse trees. The ruins of the great city of Fornost are now called Deadmen's Dike to those who still whisper its name, and the significance of the events that shaped this land are fading into memory.

As the darkness grows in Angmar to the north, and evil again stirs in the halls once ruled by the drea